Gadkari aide in trouble for sub-standard work

BJP president Nitin Gadkari finds himself mired deeper in the irrigation scam, with a state-appointed panel ordering the demolition of a canal constructed by his close associate and BJP MLC Mitesh Bhangadia.

The HT Mendhegiri committee that reviewed the 22.93-km left bank main canal of Gosikhurd project in Vidarbha - constructed by Bhangadia’s company MG Bhangadia Infrastructure - found the entire work of highly inferior quality.

"Quality of the concrete lining for the entire canal length is very poor. Hence, there is no propriety in suggesting any remedial measures for its repair as it will not be effective," the report said.

The committee suggests that the company be asked to demolish and rebuild the left bank main canal. It was said that the remarks were conveyed to the Bhangadia’s construction company, which accepted the mistakes and agreed to rebuild the left bank canal.

But Bhangadia’s firm demolished only a 4-km stretch of the canal recently and started the reconstruction a few days ago. Despite a negative report, the irrigation department is yet to blacklist the company.

Talking to HT, Bhangadia, described the issue as one of “minor errors that often happen in construction business”. “We are redoing the works according to the norms and guidelines of the irrigation department,” he added.